If you hate waiting around for a wet towel to dry, then say hello to your new best friend – the quick dry towel. Unlike traditional cotton towels, these thirsty towels love to soak up water and then quickly get rid of it. This means you can move on, instead of waiting around for a normal towel to dry. Plus they fold down smaller than terry towels. This is a huge win when you’re packing the car for your family beach vacation!

So, discover ultimate comfort and convenience with our roundup of the best quick dry towels on the market. Whether you’re an avid traveler, a fitness enthusiast, or simply someone who appreciates the practicality of a fast-drying towel, our list is designed to help you find the perfect match.

OlimpiaFit Quick Dry Microfiber Beach Towel Set  

• Large (50″x30″) beach towel
• Medium (36″x24″) full length towel
• Small (16″x16″) hand towel
• Available in eight different colors
• Air dry in minutes between uses
• Can soak up to 10 times their weight in water
• Lightweight for easy packing and portability
• Compact and folds up small for packing into included mesh bag
• Gentle and soft microfiber repels bacteria and resists odors

This set of 3 quick dry microfiber travel towels from OlimpiaFit offers the benefits of absorbency, lightweight portability and compact packability in 3 different sizes. It’s perfect for throwing in your bag and bringing along for travel, workouts, beach days, camping trips or any outdoor activity.

Wise Owl Outfitters Quick Dry Microfiber Towel

• Comes in extra large sizes up to 30″ X 60″
• Available in 10 different colors
• Super absorbent – soaks up 10x its weight
• Air dries quickly between uses
• Sand release tech means no gritty towels
• Durable hemmed edges for a long life
• Machine washable
• Packs down to a small carrying case
• Comes in several colors

The extra large Wise Owl microfiber towel packs a big absorbency punch in a tiny package, drying super fast while soaking up 10x its weight for true convenience on the go. At just 11 ounces, this extra large microfiber beauty folds into a pouch perfect for throwing in your pack and hitting the trail.

4Monster Super Absorbent Camping Towels

• Made from highly absorbent microfiber
• Comes in sizes from extra small (12” x 20”) to extra large (71″ x 35″)
• Quick drying – air dries in minutes between uses
• Available in 13 different colors and six sizes
• Ultralight and portable for travelers
• Ultra-soft microfiber feels plush
• Durable and machine washable
• Convenient hanging loop
• Comes in a variety of colors

This 4Monster super absorbent camping towel combines ultra-softness, quick drying properties and strong water absorption in a variety of colors making it perfect for travelers, campers, athletes and outdoor enthusiasts. The quick drying microfiber towel is lightweight, sand free and compact enough to stow in any backpack or bag.

WETCAT Sand Free Quick Dry Turkish Beach Towel

• Extra large at 71″ x 38″
• Made from 100% breathable Turkish cotton 
• Soaks up suds with absorbent fabric weave
• Available in 24 different color options
• Folds down tiny style for easy packing
• Comes in a variety of colors
• Loose weave means grit falls through
• Neat hemmed edges

The WETCAT extra large towel offers generous coverage for true beach blanket absorption yet the 100% cotton fabric remains lightweight, thin and packable. And, the loosely woven cotton construction allows sand to fall through easily, keeping the towel feeling soft and fresh between uses.

Sfee 2 Pack Microfiber Quick Dry Towel 

• Set of 2 compact microfiber towels
• Sizes range from small to extra large
• Super absorbent – soaks up 7 times its weight in water
• Ultra quick drying
• Lightweight and packable at only 5.5 ounces
• Microfiber traps and releases sand easily
• Resists fading and odors
• Available in 17 different color options
• Available in small, medium, large, and extra large size options
• Convenient hanging loop for quick drying
• Soft and plush yet still retains shape

Sfee set of 2 microfiber travel towels features quick dry and ultra absorbent properties in a compact and lightweight design that is perfect for throwing in your gym bag, backpack or carrying case for use during travel, sports, outdoor activities or at the gym. The microfiber towels are sand free, machine washable and packs down small.

Rainleaf Microfiber Towel 

• Made from premium quality microfiber fabric
• Sizes range from extra small to extra large
• Can soak up 7 times its weight in water
• 11 different colors available with 11 different sizes
• Air dries in minutes between uses
• Microfiber traps and releases sand easily
• Machine washable for long lasting performance
• Folds to the size of an orange
• Soft and plush microfiber

Microfiber travel towel from Rainleaf is perfect for throwing in your bag for the gym, beach, camping or any outdoor activity thanks to its compact yet generous size, ultra absorbency, quick dry properties and lightweight portability. The reusable microfiber towel can soak up water 7 times its weight and packs down to the size of an orange.

Genovega Turkish Cotton Quick Dry Beach Towel

• Made from 100% long staple cotton
• Measures 76″ x 36″ inches for generous coverage
• Lightweight cotton
• Dries faster than traditional terry cotton towels
• Packs down small for easy storage and travel
• 30 different color options available
• Towel’s ridge construction reduces trapped sand
• Absorbent 100% cotton
• Machine washable for easy care and longevity

This large cotton Turkish beach towel from Genovega features a lightweight yet durable and absorbent construction. It is ideal for the beach, poolside or any outdoor activity where a large absorbent towel is needed that can also pack down small. Also, it has quick dry times, compact foldability and durable absorbency in 100% long staple cotton with an eco-friendly sand free construction.

JML Microfiber Quick Drying HydroCotton Bath Towels

• Set of 2 bath towels in size 30″ x 60″ inches
• Made from softest microfiber
• Oversized for ample coverage
• 22 different colors and 3 sizes available
• Super absorbent can soak up to 10 times its weight in water
• Quick drying – air dries in just minutes between uses
• Lightweight for easy packing and portability
• Resistant to bacteria and odors
• Durably stitched hems

JML set of 2 oversized microfiber towels features quick dry and highly absorbent properties in a lightweight design. It has quick dry times, lightweight absorbency, durability and fade resistance – making them perfect for travel, sports, fitness classes, yoga, camping or any other multipurpose use.

Seaview 180 Akumal Oversized Quick Dry Towel

• Measures 75″ x 35″ inches for plenty of coverage
• Made of a blend of 75% recycled microfiber and 25% polyester
• Can soak up excess water in a flash
• 4 different color options available
• Air dries in minutes between uses
• Lightweight and packable for easy portability
• Resists bacteria growth and prevents odors
• Machine washable for longevity
• Microfiber weave allows sand to fall off easily
• UPF 50+ blocks 98% of UV rays

This oversized and eco-friendly beach towel from Seaview 180 combines the convenience of microfiber with sustainability by being made with 75% recycled materials. The ample size, lightweight portability and sand resistance make it perfect for the beach, pool or any outdoor adventure.

Orighty Microfiber Quick Drying Bath Towel

• Set of 2 bath towels that measure 27″ x 54″ inches
• Made from super soft coral fleece microfiber
• 3 different color options available
• Soaks up excess water quickly
• Air dries in minutes between uses
• Microfiber traps and releases lint easily
• Microfiber resists fading and discoloration
• Resistant to bacteria growth and odors
• Durable sewn hems

Orighty Microfiber set of 2 coral fleece microfiber bath towels has a soft towel feel, is highly absorbent and quick drying that is perfect for use after workouts, yoga, the spa or general bathing. Made from ultra plush fleece microfiber fabric, these bath towels feel exceptionally soft and cozy against the skin yet still provide impressive absorbency and quick drying performance.

BOGI Microfiber Quick Dry Towel

• Compressible micro towel packs down tiny
• Absorbs up to 4x its size in moisture fast
• Dries super quick between uses
• Available in 8 color options 4 different sizes
• Convenient carry loop for hanging or stowing
• Rectangle shape works for all body areas
• Measures 40″ x 20″ inches for full coverage

Make moves in comfort with this BOGI microfiber travel towel that swells to 4 times its size thanks to its thirst trap ability yet compresses down to the size of a thermos for portability and easy storage. Soak up the benefits of lightweight absorbency, quick dry times, and easy packability on all your adventures.

QIK-LABS XL Microfiber Fast Drying Lightweight Travel Towel

• Beach blanket sized at a roomy 70″ x 35″ 
• Soaks up excess moisture like a champ
• Sand free weave means grit falls through
• Lint free – no more fluff balls
• Convenient hanging loop for drying and storage
• Machine washable for fuss-free care
• Durable microfiber/polyamide blend

Measuring in at a beach blanket sized 70 inches by 35 inches, this extra large microfiber towel provides plenty of coverage for full body drying yet remains remarkably lightweight and compacts down to a packable size smaller than a Nalgene bottle. The microfiber material is highly absorbent, soaking up water and sweat rapidly to reduce drying time and quickly eliminate excess moisture so you can move on to your next activity.

POLYTE Oversize Quick Dry Waffle Bath Towel

• Made from plush, quick-dry microfiber fabric
• Waffle weave construction for maximum absorbency
• Lint-free microfiber traps lint and resists shedding
• 7 different color options available
• Ultra-soft microfiber is renowned for cushiony comfort
• Satin edged trims and rounded corners for a premium look
• 6-piece set includes 2 60″ x 30″ bath sheets, 2 16″ x 30″ hand towels and 2 13″ x 13″ washcloths

This 6 piece deluxe gray microfiber towel set from POLYTE features oversized, quick dry bath towels and washcloths. It is made from ultra-soft, plush microfiber with a waffle weave construction and rounded satin trimmed edges. Also, the absorbent microfiber towels dry faster than organic cotton for a spa-like experience, while the waffle weave pattern increases absorbency.

SUTERA – Silverthread Quick Drying Waffle Towel

• Made from premium California-grown pima cotton
• Large 31″ x 57″ oversized bath sheet for ample coverage
• Waffle weave design
• Naturally dyed in a soft heathered gray tone
• Ultra-soft, lightweight and quick drying fabric
• Resistant to shrinking, fading and the growth of bacteria and mildew
• Dobby border edging and rounded corners
• Machine washable in cold water on a gentle cycle

The SUTERA Silverthread waffle weave bath towel is crafted from ultra-soft 100% California-grown pima cotton and designed with a waffle weave texture that increases absorbency while remaining lightweight and quick drying. Moreover, the large oversized bath sheet is naturally dyed in a subtle heathered gray and features dobby edge stitching for a sophisticated spa-inspired look.

GILDEN TREE Waffle Weave Quick Drying Hand Towels

• Set of 2 high quality waffle weave hand towels
• 8 different color options available
• Made from 100% long staple cotton for durability
• Waffle weave texture increases surface area for faster drying
• Thin and lightweight design is gentler on hands
• Dries 40% faster than traditional terry cloth
• Sturdy yet soft and absorbent 
• Classic white color, and other color options
• Measures 20 x 40 inches

This set of 2 classic white 100% long staple cotton waffle weave hand towels from GILDEN TREE features a textured weave that dries quickly while remaining ultra absorbent. The lightweight thin yet sturdy towels are durable yet gentler on hands, perfect for use in kitchens, bathrooms and spas.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What type of towel dries the fastest?

Microfiber towels generally dry the fastest of all towel types. Since microfiber is made of synthetic fibers, it has tiny pores and spaces that trap water inside the fibers, allowing the towel to dry quickly from both sides through evaporation.

What is the best towel to dry off with?

Microfiber towels are considered the best for quick drying because they absorb more water than traditional cotton towels and dry at least twice as fast. However, cotton Turkish towels also dry fairly quickly due to their thinness and loose weave that allows water to evaporate easily.

Do microfiber towels dry quickly?

Yes! Microfiber towels dry extremely quickly, often in just a few hours or less. The moisture is distributed throughout the synthetic fibers, allowing it to evaporate quickly from the large surface area of the material. Many microfiber towels can be completely dry within 30-60 minutes.

Do cotton bath towels dry quickly?

Cotton towels do dry fairly quickly, especially Turkish or Egyptian varieties that have a thinner, looser weave. The absorbency of cotton is not as high as microfiber, but air can circulate freely through the fibers to allow water to evaporate quickly once the towel is hung to dry.